TipResumen

Mainz

Mainz were a very poor side last season, but somehow managed to avoid relegation. They look even weaker now as some important players left the club, including their top scorer from ast season - Yoshinori Muto. Mainz opened the new season by beating second division side of Erzgebirge Aue with 3-1 in the DFB Cup, but are expected to struggle in the Bundesliga. Mainz have many important players injured in front of this match, which makes team selection hard for their coach. Experienced goalkeeper Rene Adler, defender Levin Oztunali, and midfielder Danny Latza are all out injured. Mainz have a couple of new French players they signed this summer, but they will probably need some time before they fully adapt to the Bundesliga.



Vfb Stuttgart

Vfb Stuttgart had a pretty good last season as newcomers from the 2.Bundesliga. They finished in the upper half of the table and now look even stronger than last season. They were active on the summer transfer market and brought in a couple of experienced players in Daniel Didavi from Wolfsburg and Gonzalo Castro from Borussia Dortmund. Last weekend Vfb Stuttgart got eliminated by Hansa Rostock in the DFB Cup, but the final result of 2-0 was not realistic and does not describe how the things went on the pitch. Amazing fact is that Vfb Stuttgart had almost 30 shots on goal in that game and yet they lost. Anyhow, Vfb Stuttgart are a good Bundesliga side and they should finish above Mainz at the end of this season. Another interesting fact is that Vfb Stuttgart`s recent record against Mainz is not that good as they managed to win just twice in their last ten head to head duels.



THE BETTING VERDICT

Vfb Stuttgart have a solid side and bigger ambitions than Mainz this season. There are a few quality players that can make a difference, so I am leaning more towards the visitors winning this match. It might not come easy and first rounds are always tricky in every championship, but Vfb Stuttgart should be able to record a victory in this game at tasty odds.